[lulu16]

Is it so hard to turn the hydrants on and aim water canons on them? But with communication technology intercepting police interaction, I sincerely hope that the police are at least one step ahead with cryptic technology. I mean where is all the fancy gear they bought at wholesale prices from the military?

[MaxMax]

Its twitter rioting, flash mobbing. Roving bands of criminals. Not 1950.

[EternalVigilance]

Too bad it ain’t Denver. They’d have looted the pot shops and everyone would be mellowed out by morning.

[Smokin' Joe]

The tough part is that the usual suspects have comms to die for. LEO locations and directions of travel can be updated continuously by scouts using twitter or facebook. The only alternative is to shut down the cell networks, the web, in the area, and that will have repercussions for EMS and Fire/rescue responses and would be decried as irresponsible or even criminal afterwards. Without knowing what accounts to get pulled, a surgical strike isn't possible, and there are likely backup sites to transfer information.

How to deal with that? Do you bring in the NG from a half dozen directions, announce local Martial Law, and to "Put down the stuff and go home. In ten minutes, looters will be shot on sight."?

Alternatively, cordon off the area, cut the power and water, and wait.

The problem with mass roundups is that participation will have to be established in order to make any charges stick.